AI Professional Connector Gets Viral Attention

An Australian-accented AI agent named Boardy is reshaping professional introductions by leveraging LinkedIn data to connect users via lifelike phone calls. Operated by New York-based start-up Boardy AI, the tool has gained viral attention, attracting over 1,000 new users daily and facilitating connections for professionals like job seekers, founders and software buyers. However, its rise also raises concerns about potential misuse, from phone spam to perpetuating systemic biases.

Boardy was launched in October and has already built a network of nearly 20,000 contacts. The AI connects users by matching LinkedIn profiles and initiating qualifying conversations to decide if an introduction should be made. Designed with a friendly Australian tone selected for its “intelligent and approachable” quality, the virtual agent has captured the interest of users globally, particularly entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Despite its small-scale adoption so far, its human-like interaction style suggests the potential to revolutionise networking with AI.

Interest in Boardy surged after the start-up secured $3 million in pre-seed funding, with its namesake agent playing a key role in impressing investors. Though the system is still distinguishable from human communication, experts foresee a future where AI-powered interactions might become indistinguishable from human conversations. This breakthrough heralds both opportunities and uncertainties in professional networking.

However, the tool has its critics. Experts have raised alarms about risks such as unsolicited AI-driven calls draining people’s time and the potential to reinforce biases embedded in LinkedIn's data. Critics caution that algorithms training on existing user data may unintentionally limit diversity, connecting executives of similar profiles while neglecting underrepresented groups. This concern is supported by research on AI bias, which highlights the need for diverse and inclusive data sets to prevent perpetuating systemic biases.

Although Boardy aims to facilitate unbiased connections, responsibility ultimately rests with users to vet introductions. The start-up has also faced prior public backlash for overly experimental campaigns, highlighting the delicate balance between innovation and ethical responsibility in deploying AI-powered tools. A recent incident where Boardy's AI commented on users' appearances in the style of Donald Trump sparked significant negative reactions, particularly from women, and led to an apology from the CEO.

By navigating these challenges carefully, Boardy AI could play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of professional networking.

Sources:

• Australian Financial Review

• TechCrunch

• Betakit